Keynotes

The Theory Crisis in Human-Computer Interaction

Abstract: Theory is supposed to be invaluable in HCI research. However, the actual role of theory remains underwhelming, to the extent that I argue there is a crisis of theory in HCI. In this talk, I will first present data suggesting that HCI researchers rarely build theory, actively use it in papers, or raise implications for it. I will then discuss how to resolve the tension between the perceived importance of theory and its actual role. Ways to improve the use and construction of theory will be discussed, as well as some tools for thinking about theory that might help HCI researchers.

Bio: Kasper Hornbæk received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Copenhagen in 1998 and 2002, respectively. He has been Professor of Computer Science at the University of Copenhagen since 2014. His research interests include user experience, extended reality, theory building and haptic technology. He is an co-editor of ACM Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction and has served as an associate chair of the ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing, CHI for more than 10 years. He was inducted into the CHI Academy in 2020.

Heavy Metal on AI

Abstract: Tracks, railroad switches, wheelsets: Deutsche Bahn is heavy metal! And that makes it a huge area of application for artificial intelligence. In her keynote speech, Nicole Göbel, Chairwoman of the Management Board of DB Systel, will show why digitalisation – and AI in particular – not only affects the railway’s hardware, but also has an impact on the way it works and its employees. She will provide insights into how DB Systel, a pioneer for the digital future of the railway, is digitising DB’s heavy metal – and making the railway even more sustainable.

Bio: Nicole Göbel has a degree in tourism management with a focus on IT and marketing. She began her career at Bertelsmann, where she took on management tasks in call and fulfilment centres and managed IT projects, among other things.
In 2001, she moved to the management and strategy consultancy Accenture and was responsible for various projects at Deutsche Bahn. Nicole Göbel also supported other major players in the transport, travel and logistics sectors with complex digital transformation processes.
In 2009, she assumed overall responsibility for the client Deutsche Bahn and various management functions at Accenture, most recently as European Rail and Public Transport Lead from 2019.
Nicole Göbel is an honorary member of the executive committee of the Travel Industry Club, which brings together thought leaders in the tourism industry.
Nicole Göbel has been Chairwoman of the Management Board at DB Systel since 1 February 2022.

The keynote will be held in German.

Unveiling the Invisible: Navigating the Mental Labor of Academia in a Hybrid World

Abstract: In the evolving landscape of hybrid work, the academic world faces unique challenges that often go unseen. As society grapples with complex global issues, we need academics more than ever to help find solutions. However, academia suffers from levels of stress and burnout similar to those in high-stress professions such as medicine. Academics are drowning in a sea of work, leaving little time for the deep thought necessary to tackle big problems. This pressure is driven by increased expectations and demands in research and education, exacerbated by digital communications and an always-on culture, and further intensified by the shift to hybrid work. We need university leaders to initiate systemic changes, but organizational change takes time and we need help now. In this talk, Anna Cox will delve into the concept of “mental labor,” highlighting the hidden tasks that academics perform daily to manage their professional and personal lives. She will explore how digital technology can support academics in getting their work done more efficiently, helping to alleviate stress and enhance productivity and wellbeing.

Bio: Anna Cox is Professor of Human-Computer Interaction and Vice Dean (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) at University College London. Her research on the use of digital technology across work and personal life-spheres has revealed the influence of design on the productivity and work-life balance challenges experienced across a variety of settings including healthcare, finance, academia, and crowdwork. She has also explored digital leisure activities such as watching videos, playing videogames, and engaging in citizen science projects and their role in supporting work-stress recovery. As a result of her expertise in immersive and addictive technologies, she was appointed as Specialist Advisor to the UK Parliament Department of Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry in 2019. She has been an active participant in the ACM SIGCHI community. She has played a significant role in the early years of two important conference series. She was General Chair of CHIPLAY 2015 and 2016 and a member of the CHIPLAY steering committee (2014-2021). More recently she served as Technical Program Chair for CHIWORK 2022 and General Chair of CHIWORK 2023 and is an inaugural member of the CHIWORK steering committee. She has also played an important role in supporting the CHI conference series: she was Technical Program Chair of CHI 2018 and 2019 and has been a member of the CHI Steering committee since 2017.